Quote Originally Posted by cassiesmom
One more question - dog people, I hope you don't mind

The announcer said that two of the three poodle categories were in the Best in Show judging. They're each in a different group. I noticed that their coats were groomed the same way. Is that a special grooming they get for shows? It's so elaborate. I wonder why they're groomed that way, does it allow the judge to see characteristics of the dog better? I only know one person who has a poodle, and he came from a shelter so he's probably a random breed. She couldn't tell me why the purebred poodles are groomed in that style. Her dog just gets a basic treatment for pets at the groomer. (He still looks cute to me!)

thanks,
elyse
Per the Akc "(b) Clip-- A Poodle under 12 months may be shown in the "Puppy" clip. In all regular classes, Poodles 12 months or over must be shown in the "English Saddle" or "Continental" clip. In the Stud Dog and Brood Bitch classes and in a non-competitive Parade of Champions, Poodles may be shown in the "Sporting" clip. A Poodle shown in any other type of clip shall be disqualified".. And here is the akc link http://www.akc.org/breeds/poodle/index.cfm